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17
Posted by Sarah Levin-Lederer on November 17th, 2025
Posted in: Blog
Tags: MedlinePlus, resources, rural health
This Thursday, 11/20/25, is Rural Health Day!
What do we mean when we say rural? It’s an easy question to ask, but a hard question to answer. In general, rural is defined as anything that isn’t urban or metro.
But then how do we define urban? That’s complicated. There are two main definitions that the federal government uses—one from the Office of Management and Budget, the other from the Census Bureau. Both definitions have there drawbacks potentially including or excluding areas that people who live there might not agree with. But between the two definitions, 15%-20% or Americans live in rural areas.
In recognition of Rural Health Day, learn more about the health challenges, needs and supports for rural communities with the resources below.
What you think of when you hear the word rural probably depends a lot on what you see around you. Every state has rural areas, but the landscape, industry, and people vary greatly across the country. Below are resources that can help give snapshots of what rural looks like nationally and locally.
Rural areas have unique health challenges and needs including higher rates of the five leading causes of death in the US: Heart Disease, Cancer, Unintentional Injury, Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease, and Stroke.
Rural Health Concerns (MedlinePlus): Start here to learn about health needs in rural areas and find links to more information on trusted partner sites.
CDC Rural Health: Find information on rural health needs, programs to address those needs, success stories, and more.
Looking to connect with partners working in your rural community and rural communities near you? Check out these resources.
ABOUT Sarah Levin-Lederer